For years, bar soap and simple shaving cream were about as far as men went when it came to skin care. Today, it’s all about treatments, regimens and processes specifically designed for the male consumer. But while the disparate XY chromosome pairing may have created subtle dermal differences between the sexes, it’s hardly going out on a limb to say that skin isn’t the most noticeable distinction. With the exception of shaving (from which women could afford to take a tip or two), these rules are arguably second nature for humanity’s better half but should set the standard for everyone. That said, here are the skin care dos and don'ts every man should know.

Do - Moisturize

All women know that quenching thirsty skin is the single most important thing you can do for your overall appearance. It fights against premature signs of aging and prevents cracking, which can open the door to nasty bacteria and blemishes. But basting your body in grease is not the way to go. Use a lightweight moisturizer with SPF for your face and an all-purpose, unscented one for everywhere else. Leave the frilly fragranced moisturizers for females, and pay particular attention to joints like the elbows and knees, since those are the areas that tend to tighten up most.

Don't - Pop pimples

Zapping zits with two fingers and a bathroom mirror is begging for trouble. Dirt on the hands and underneath the nails can invade broken skin, which, needless to say, makes matters much worse. There are some instances, however, that do require intervention if not for only the admittedly gross and unexplainable satisfaction of expelling nastiness from your pores. If you can’t resist or you’re being weighed down with a massive whitehead on the center of your schnoz, there is a proper protocol that must be followed. Disinfect a needle with rubbing alcohol, gently prick the skin’s surface and carefully squeeze from both sides. If the blemish is ready to let loose, it will go easily. Blood or clear liquid are surefire signs you should stop immediately and allow things to heal on their own with basic cleaning care.

Do - Have a pre- and post-shave routine

Shaving is one spot where men have an advantage. Many women have been secretly using men’s razors for years because of their superior performance. Men forget, however, that shaving isn’t a single step. There was a time, say, prior to the 1960s, when facial hair maintenance was a skilled craft. The art itself may have been long forgotten by most men, but the benefits of a few before-and-after activities haven’t changed.

Don't - Dry shave

Men know that most good things in life require a little lubrication. At best, shaving without some type of skin buffer will result in the inability of the razor to get close to the base of the hair. But dry shaving just feels like ripping off your skin, and it leaves behind a path of destruction, including nicks, cuts, scratches and incredibly itchy razor burn. Almost any cream, gel or oil will work its magic when you shave as long as you go with the flow of the hair rather than against the grain. And using an electric shaver isn’t a free pass. Guys partial to going automatic aren’t exempt from lubing up.